Which term describes a government action that restricts land use but leaves ownership in the owner's name?

• A. Regulatory Taking
• B. Eminent Domain
• C. Inverse Condemnation
• D. Property Seizure

Answer: (A)

Regulatory taking describes a government action that restricts how land can be used while keeping ownership in the owner's name. When a regulation limits use or reduces land value so much that it effectively takes property value for public purposes, the Takings Clause may require compensation to the owner, even though title remains with the private owner. This is different from eminent domain, where the government actually takes title and transfers ownership. Inverse condemnation is the owner’s legal claim to compensation after the government action has effectively taken property, often without a formal condemnation proceeding. “Property seizure” isn’t a standard term for this constitutional idea.